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With more than 8,000 members, the Greater Cleveland Partnership is one of the largest metropolitan chambers of commerce in the country. Learn about our work to advance economic development and improve the business climate in our city, region and state.

CLE air service: renovations and upgrades; passenger traffic on the rise

Once the construction inconvenience at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) is over, your travel experience will be greatly improved. CLE’s $68M in renovations are on track for completion by May 2016.

The $24M terminal renovation continues to be on schedule and budget. CLE travelers will also begin to notice new finish upgrades to floors, walls, columns, as well as new signage and LED lighting to support the airport’s plan of reducing its carbon footprint. Meanwhile, year-to-date total passengers were 6,769,603 up 336,416 or 5.23 percent from a year ago. Read more.

MBDA Business Center Cleveland office earns “outstanding” rating

The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Business Center Cleveland has earned an “outstanding” performance rating for the period from April 1, 2014 through September 30, 2015 from the national MBDA office at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Since its launch in 2011, the MBDA Business Center Cleveland has worked with minority businesses throughout the State of Ohio. Results include $101M in contract awards, $21M in capital awards, 845 jobs created and 1047 jobs retained. Read more.

Business and public-sector leaders connect at GCP’s Public Officials Reception

Many thanks to our members and their guests for making the 52nd annual Public Officials Reception a tremendous success! More than 550 Northeast Ohio business community leaders and elected officials attended the event last Friday at Windows on the River. Click to see more event photos.

U.S. economy improving, but recovery is lagging

Although the U.S. economy has improved since the recession, the recovery is still lagging, says Dr. Martin Regalia, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s senior vice president for economic and tax policy and chief economist.

Speaking to more than 75 middle-market CEOs at the Greater Cleveland Partnership’s Fourth Quarter Middle-Market Forum last week, he described the economic picture as “glass half-full/glass half-empty.”

Looking ahead, he said that the impact of the slow recovery will continue to be due to several issues including U.S. monetary and fiscal policies.
Read more.

Seeking state support for Public Square

In this week’s “GCP Insight” interview, learn about the accelerated time line for the $50 million Public Square renovation project so it will be ready in time for the 2016 Republican National Convention and the recent $3.5 million request to the State of Ohio to help close a funding gap.

GCP Senior Vice President of Advocacy Marty McGann points out that the project is 90 percent funded. Click here or on the image to watch.

Business community input helps shape Cuyahoga County budget proposal; priorities include workforce training

Earlier this month, Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish released his executive budget proposal, a roughly $2.9 billion two-year spending plan for operating the largest county budget in the state.

Yvette Ittu, the GCP’s executive vice president for finance and operations, recently served on a county budget task force to help officials examine the current year budget and to take initial steps in the development of the next budget proposal.

Speaking out against legalizing marijuana

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine was joined by Greater Cleveland Partnership President and CEO Joe Roman and Shaker Heights Police Chief Scott Lee at a press conference last Thursday to urge a NO vote on Issue 3, the marijuana legalization ballot issue.

DeWine discussed a three-day fact-finding trip he took to Colorado to learn about the impact of marijuana legalization on the state. Read more.

Be informed about November 3rd ballot issues

The Greater Cleveland Partnership is providing online information for employers to share with employees about issues that will be on the November 3rd ballot. In addition to our position on the above issues, we are urging a "YES" vote on Issue 2, which would protect the constitutional amendment initiative process from being used for personal economic benefit. Read more.

How you can leverage inclusion to boost competitiveness

Success in business includes increasing competitiveness, boosting the bottom line, and attracting and keeping top talent. A growing number of studies has found that all three can happen when a company creates strategies to develop and sustain an inclusive workplace and leverage its benefits.

The Commission on Economic Inclusion, a program of the GCP, is inviting GCP members who aren’t already part of its roster of 100+ Northeast Ohio employers to sign up and take the first steps toward building and leveraging an inclusive organization. Read more.

GCP Board news: Two new members appointed

The Greater Cleveland Partnership Board of Directors approved the appointment of two new Board members at its quarterly meeting last week: Charles E. (Chuck) Jones, president and CEO of FirstEnergy, and Rear Admiral June Ryan, Commander, Ninth Coast Guard District, U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security.

How supporting home rule can create jobs for Cleveland residents

In a special “GCP Insight” video interview, State Senator Sandra Williams (D-21) discusses her opposition to and concerns with two bills in the Ohio Assembly that would eliminate local governments’ ability to ensure that construction projects in the region benefit the local workforce.

In Cleveland, the mandate requires that 20 percent of the workforce on large construction projects are city residents. Click to watch.

Congressional reauthorization of EB-5 investment program important to Cleveland

Steve Strnisha, CEO of the Cleveland International Fund (CiF), discusses how CiF investments through the EB-5 program have been essential in moving several catalytic Cleveland projects forward and in creating about 12,000 jobs.

Strnisha says congressional reauthorization of EB-5 is essential for CiF's continued support of projects that are helping change the face of Cleveland. The current three-year authorization ends Sept. 30.

Promoting inclusion in Greater Cleveland construction projects

The Construction Diversity & Inclusion (CDI) initiative of the Commission on Economic Inclusion reports progress and activity on three fronts in its efforts to increase the use of Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and Female Business Enterprises (FBEs) firms in Greater Cleveland’s major construction projects.

Collaborative efforts are addressing challenges or producing results in workforce readiness, local hiring, and owners outreach and reporting.

Public investment in arts and culture pays huge dividends

The GCP is backing passage of the November 3rd ballot issue calling for the 10-year renewal of the current 1.5 cents tax per cigarette sold in Cuyahoga County to support arts and cultural organizations.

Our arts and cultural organizations not only improve the educational performance of our schoolchildren, they also pay substantial economic dividends including employing nearly 9,000 people and generating hundreds of millions of dollars in annual economic activity. Read more.

Next steps in the proposed Cleveland-East Cleveland merger

In this week’s special segment of the “GCP Insight” video series: Greater Cleveland Partnership Senior Director of Advocacy Alesha Washington talks with Cleveland City Council President Kevin Kelley about the proposed merger between the cities of Cleveland and East Cleveland.

Learn more about why we’re opposing marijuana legalization in Ohio

In this week’s “GCP Insight” interview, Marty McGann, the GCP’s senior vice president of advocacy, discusses why the organization is opposing the ResponsibleOhio effort to legalize marijuana use in the State of Ohio.

He explains that, following a lengthy review, the GCP concluded the proposal to permit marijuana use for both recreational and medical purposes could negatively impact workplaces and burden small businesses.
Click to watch.

Ohio's middle market steady growth tops national rate

Revenue growth for Ohio’s middle-market companies over the past 12 months topped that of the national rate, according to the National Center for the Middle-Market’s 2Q 2015 Middle Market Indicator (MMI) report.

Ohio companies reported growth at 6.8 percent compared to a national rate of 6.6 percent.

“Ohio’s middle-market businesses are continuing to drive our state’s economy” said GCP President and CEO Joe Roman noting that more half of those companies are in Northeast Ohio. Read more.

Why the Cuyahoga County arts and culture renewal levy needs your support

Marty McGann, the GCP’s senior vice president of advocacy, discusses the importance of the Cuyahoga County arts and culture renewal levy and why the organization supports it.

The ballot issue calls for the 10-year continuation of the 30 cents per pack tax on cigarettes, which, over the past nine years, has provided about $125 million for 300 Greater Cleveland arts and cultural organizations of all sizes. Click to watch.

GCP advocacy efforts secure state budget items important to our members

In this week’s “GCP Insight” video, the Greater Cleveland Partnership’s senior director of government advocacy Alesha Washington discusses how the organization was successful in securing items of importance to our members in the recently signed two-year, $71 billion state budget bill.

Why GCP is opposing Ohio legislature bills that interfere with home rule

In this week’s “GCP Insight” interview, Commission on Economic Inclusion Executive Director Brian Hall discusses why a Cleveland public–private partnership is opposing two bills in the Ohio legislature that would eliminate local governments’ ability to ensure that construction projects in the region benefit the local workforce.

Last week, the Ohio House and Senate approved the state budget and sent it to Governor Kasich for his signature. The budget spending plan maintains a 6.3 percent across-the-board personal income tax cut, further reduces taxes on small businesses, and eliminates earlier proposals to raise/expand the sales tax and Commercial Activities Tax.

“We are pleased with the General Assembly’s work on the tax reform plan in the state budget,” said Greater Cleveland Partnership President and CEO Joe Roman. “We are grateful that we were able to work in partnership with our elected leaders to ensure Ohio’s tax plan keeps Ohio competitive and primed for further economic growth.” Read more.

Optimism about Cleveland’s future is well-grounded in reality and results, even while challenges remain.

The Greater Cleveland Partnership’s Annual Meeting held June 17 at the Cleveland Convention Center highlighted many of the successes that have added to the community’s positive momentum as well as the work that’s yet to be done for sustainable economic progress. More than 1.200 business, community and civic leaders attended the event.

GCP Board Chair Beth Mooney, chairman and CEO of KeyCorp (photo left), noted that the city is moving forward propelled by a strong collaboration among stakeholders in the private and public sectors. Read more.

Ohio’s Historic Preservation Tax Credit program is essential
to economic development

The Greater Cleveland Partnership, Cleveland Development Advisors and several metro chambers from across the state have joined in opposition to proposed changes to the Historic Preservation Tax Credit that was unveiled in the Senate version of the state operating budget late last week.

The proposed change would have suspended the tax credit program for 2016 and 2017 and converted it into a grant program in 2018.

“This tax credit is a critical tool in advancing redevelopment projects throughout the City of Cleveland,“ said GCP President and CEO Joe Roman. “The proposed changes would have a devastating effect on the current and future development momentum in our region.”

Ohio Senate releases its state operating budget

The Ohio Senate today unveiled its version of the state operating budget. The Greater Cleveland Partnership has closely monitored several key issues including tax reform, education, and health care.

Major highlights include a net income tax cut of $1.7 billion over the biennium without raising or expanding the sales tax or increasing the Commercial Activities Tax rate. The budget also eliminates income taxes on all small businesses up to $250,000 and increases the cigarette tax per pack by 40 cents.

EB-5 is an employer-based immigration program that allows overseas investors/applicants to invest in job-creating projects. Investors and their families receive conditional residency in the U.S. and, ultimately, permanent residency.

CiF is a regional center that invests EB-5 dollars. More than $200M has been raised for Northeast Ohio projects. Click to watch.

Protecting commerce on Cleveland's waterfront

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine sat down with GCP Senior Vice President of Advocacy Marty McGann to talk about two topics of interest to the organization and its members:

The Army Corps of Engineers’ plan to dredge the Cuyahoga River and deposit the materials in Lake Erie and blighted properties in the City of Cleveland that threaten neighborhood stability, safety and investment. Click to watch.

Ken Gronbach (photo right), one of the nation’s leading demographers, told more than 200 middle-market executives at last Friday’s Greater Cleveland Middle-Market Forum that there will be a huge paradigm shift as Baby Boomers retire and members of Generation Y take their place in the workplace.

“Meet the Press” moderator Chuck Todd to keynote GCP Annual Meeting

We're pleased to announce that Chuck Todd, NBC News political director and moderator and managing editor of “Meet the Press,” will be the keynote speaker at the 2015 Greater Cleveland Partnership Annual Meeting on Wednesday, June 17 from 5 to 7:15 p.m. at the Cleveland Convention Center. To secure prime seating for your company, click to purchase a corporate table of 10.

NOTE: The purchase of a $2500 premium table includes admission for one person from your company to a pre-event VIP reception with Mr. Todd.

Have you registered? Space is limited at Northeast Ohio's signature event for middle-market companies

The Greater Cleveland Middle-Market Forum on Friday, May 8, at Corporate College East is your opportunity to hear from high-profile mid-market CEOs and thought leaders, learn about best practices and the latest middle-market research and connect with other middle-market executives from around the region. Click to register now!

GCP affiliate receives $125K Cleveland Foundation grant to support workforce development program

The Economic Growth Foundation, a 501(c)(3) affiliate of the Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP) has been awarded a $125,000 grant by the Cleveland Foundation to support the GCP’s new Pathway Partners program, which will connect the business community with education providers and students in developing Cleveland’s future workforce. Read more.

Kasich signs S.B.1 to protect Lake Erie and Ohio’s water quality

Governor Kasich has signed SB 1 into law—a bill that aims to restrict agricultural practices known to contribute to the formation of harmful algal blooms.

Specially, the law sets limits for fertilizer application in Lake Erie’s western basin, increases phosphorus monitoring at wastewater treatment facilities and restricts open lake disposal of dredge material.

The GCP closely monitored the development of this legislation and supports the final version passed by the General Assembly.

GCP applauds passage of compromise water quality bill

The Greater Cleveland Partnership applauds the Ohio General Assembly for passing legislation to address water quality issues in Lake Erie. The compromise bill, SB 1, will restrict agricultural practices known to contribute to the formation of harmful algal blooms.

This legislative effort comes in response to last summer’s crisis when algal blooms in the western basin of Lake Erie left the City of Toledo without drinking water for several days. Read more.

GCP urges immediate action to improve Lake Erie’s water quality

Learn how GCP is urging timely post-winter dredging of the lake by the Army Corps of Engineers and about action needed in Columbus to find a compromise between two pieces of legislation passed by the Ohio House and Ohio Senate. Click to watch.

Business groups release study, call for major changes to Governor’s budget tax proposal

The Ohio Metro Chambers Coalition, which is composed of eight of Ohio’s largest metropolitan chambers of commerce and the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, have concerns with Governor John Kasich's state budget proposal.

The Coalition has sent the Governor a letter expressing its concerns indicating it does not believe the proposal in its current form will achieve the shared vision “to boost economic competitiveness of Ohio.” Read more.

Downtown Heinen’s opens; CDA played pivotal financing role

The highly anticipated Heinen’s at The 9 opened last week to enthusiastic accolades. Cleveland Development Advisors (CDA), the GCP’s real estate and business finance affiliate, provided a $7 million New Markets Tax Credit allocation and $6 million in direct financing for this truly catalytic project. Read more.

How to drive company growth: Build relationships, nurture talent

60 seconds with...Bernie Moreno, president, Bernie Moreno Companies

Greater Cleveland Partnership Board member Bernie Moreno, president of Bernie Moreno Companies, and chair of GCP’s Middle-Market Committee, will be a presenter as a “Growth Champion” at the 2015 Greater Cleveland Middle-Market Forum on Friday, May 8 at Corporate College East.

In this Q&A with Every Monday, he shares some of the strategies that have led to his business success. Read more.

MBDA Cleveland office updates brand, launches new website

The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Business Center Cleveland has updated its brand with a new tagline—“Ohio’s Answer for Growth, Opportunity and Access” and the launch of a new website. Read more.

The MBDA Cleveland office is operated by the Commission on Economic Inclusion, a program of the Greater Cleveland Partnership.

In this week’s segment of the “GCP Insight” video series, Nick Gattozzi, GCP’s vice president of advocacy, provides an update on the Great Lakes Metro Chambers Coalition’s recent series of meetings in Washington, D.C. with members of Congress and staff from Great Lakes states.

The discussions focused on the Coalition’s three top priorities: immigration reform, transportation and infrastructure and energy. Click to watch.

GCP, city, and Hopkins focus on boosting nonstop service on priority business routes

As air service out of Hopkins Airport (CLE) continues to evolve, the Greater Cleveland Partnership, the City of Cleveland and airport officials remain focused on how to restore nonstop service to seven priority business routes.

Priority destinations cities no longer served nonstop by United are Austin, Kansas City, New Orleans, Providence, R.I., San Antonio. San Diego and West Palm Beach. Efforts also include working to increase the frequency of nonstops to St. Louis, which is currently served by two nonstop flights from CLE.

"The partnership between the city and the business community around Hopkins airport remains strong,” says Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP) President and CEO Joe Roman. “As the airline industry continues to evolve and adjust to market conditions, it’s anticipated that other carriers will add new service or increased frequencies to cities that are under-served." Read more.

CDA provides financing for residential project in PlayhouseSquare

The development team of The Dalad Group and The Slyman Group has closed on financing for the historic renovation of the building located at 1220 Huron in PlayhouseSquare.

Cleveland Development Advisors (CDA), the Greater Cleveland Partnership’s real estate and business development finance affiliate, provided a $4.5 million loan to bridge the federal and Ohio historic tax credit equity and a $400,000 subordinate loan for the $17.7 million project. Read more.

GCP releases new Public Policy Agenda

The Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP) today released its new Public Policy Agenda that outlines areas where it will focus its attention on current and developing issues at the local, state and federal levels during the next two years.

The GCP drafts a new Public Policy Agenda at the beginning of each new congressional and state General Assembly cycle. The document, which has been months in the making, details a diverse list of objectives and areas of focus that share the common goal of growing Greater Cleveland’s economy. Click to read or download.

The “GCP Insight” video series kicks off the year with a preview of Congressional legislative issues that impact Greater Cleveland Partnership priorities.

GCP Vice President of Advocacy Nick Gattozzi talks with “Insight” host Steve Luttner, vice president, Lesic and Camper, about some of policies and legislation we’ll be tracking over the coming weeks and months. Click here or on the image to watch.